What do bears do in the woods? They rub on trees, for one thing. That particular habit allowed University of Alberta researcher Andrea Morehouse to collect hair left on particularly attractive scratching sites. She used the hair from grizzly bears to test their DNA and get a more accurate count on their numbers in southwestern […] Read more
Barb Glen
Stories by Barb Glen
Project aims to tap plant protein for value-added, health benefits
The name of the initiative is catchy, and the idea seems to be catching on. It’s called the protein highway, and it involves governments, universities and businesses in the three prairie provinces and six U.S. states that are collaborating to develop plant protein innovation. “The concept is to gather a team, a bilateral team … […] Read more
More meat from fewer cows lowers gas output
Scientists have proven that today’s Canadian cattle herd produces less greenhouse gas than it did in 1981. Agriculture Canada research scientist Tim McAllister, an expert in rumen microbiology, feed and nutrition, said the reduction is a result of improved animal performance and better feed, among other factors. He and a research team estimated greenhouse gas […] Read more
Yield focus urged for alfalfa seed
BROOKS, Alta. — Alberta producers are expected to grow 45,000 acres of alfalfa seed this year. That’s up from 17,600 acres 10 years ago and a sign of industry health, said Alfalfa Seed Commission past-president Darren Nikkel. Jose Arias, director of seed production for Forage Genetics International, a contractor and marketer of alfalfa seed, agreed […] Read more
Fewer conflicts between grizzlies, producers in 2015
Installing hopper-bottom bins, bear-proof grain doors and electric fences may have played a role in reducing conflicts
Grizzly bears have been known to kill calves and break open grain bins and beehives in southwestern Alberta. For the bears, the incidents are a free lunch. For ranchers, farmers and beekeepers, it constitutes money lost and conflict between their livelihoods and bears’ inclinations. The number of grizzly and rancher conflicts rose steadily from 1999 […] Read moreFarm safety coalition formed
BROOKS, Alta. — The people who will consult on Alberta’s new farm safety policies have been selected, and the 72-member list has been submitted for cabinet approval. That much is known by members of the AgCoalition, a group representing 30 farm, livestock and commodity groups to deal with the controversial Bill 6, or the Enhanced […] Read more
Ag Coalition wants voice on Bill 6 advisory committee
Coalition co-chair says it hopes producers have input on the farm safety legislation and will have its recommendations heard
BROOKS, Alta. — The people who will consult on Alberta’s new farm safety policies have been selected, and the 72-member list has been submitted for cabinet approval. That much is known by members of the AgCoalition, a group representing 30 farm, livestock and commodity groups to deal with the controversial Bill 6, or the En-hanced […] Read moreFund to develop community websites, social media
The late Bill Long probably wasn’t a website surfer. However, the endowment fund he created in the name of his uncle and fellow Alberta rancher, Henry Stewart Varley, will this year be used to create websites and social media for all the towns and villages in Vulcan County. The $30,000 for the project was awarded […] Read more
Leafcutter bees operate in the dark
BROOKS, Alta. — Leafcutter bees are integral to the production of alfalfa seed, but they go unrecognized in national data on pollination related to agriculture. Bee researcher Shelley Hoover of Alberta Agriculture said leafcutters pollinate alfalfa as well as southern Alberta’s valuable seed canola crops, and statistically recognizing their value could leverage research money as it […] Read more
Alfalfa growers uneasy with anti-GMO stance
Most producers are comfortable with the technology but believe it poses a threat to alfalfa seed and forage exports
BROOKS, Alta. — Alberta’s alfalfa seed growers commission has a clear stance on genetically modified Roundup Ready alfalfa. It is against introduction until there is greater market acceptance. However, that stance comes with a certain level of discomfort. Many alfalfa seed growers also grow GM canola, GM sugar beets and GM corn. The technology has provided […] Read more
